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Meet 2018 TCFStyle Expo Vendor, Cosplayer Talynn Kel

Hey Girl Hey!! We have another round of vendors spotlights coming your way. As the days get closer and to the 2018 TCFStyle Expo the buzz of excitement is in the air and we can’t wait to see you in Atlanta August 11th-12th. For everyone on Team TCFStyle Expo and for those planning on attending, it’s going to be a weekend of fun, facts, and fashion!!

Last month, we shared the super dope panel, about cosplay and the plussize community . The panel will speak on the narrative regarding body positivity for plus size cosplayers and the challenges they have faced. One of our panelists, TaLynn Kel is also today’s vendor spotlight as we share more about this superwoman of cosplay and her business! I hope you’re ready to get your action hero on and meet TaLynn Kel!

Brand Name:TaLynn Kel

Years in business? Two Years

What type of business? Author Writer & cosplayer who talks about self-esteem, self-worth and making space for yourself in this world.

What is the story behind your brand? I am a writer and wanted to talk about being a plus-size Black woman in geek spaces which are predominantly male and white. Talking about it helps women like me find our voices in a world that tries to convince us we should be silent.

Why this focus? I wasn’t hearing the narratives that resembled my experiences, so I decided to create it.

What inspired you to get into fashion? The growth of the plus size clothing industry but mostly cosplay. I love piecing together outfits, and cosplay lets me go outside the box more than my normal life did/does.

Are you self taught/passion driven or did you go to school for this? I was an English major, and I have my MPH, but they just helped inform my view, not create it.

What or Who is your style/design inspiration? I love body confidence. I’m inspired by people who answer to no one.

What has been the biggest success of your brand, to date? I compiled my online essays into books and they by far getting the most traction, so it’s my words/writing more than anything else. My cosplay is pretty dope, too.

What would be one of the biggest style myths in Plus Size or Big & Tall Fashion? That you can’t wear colors and patterns. I’ve never understood that nonsense.

How do you think the plus size industry has grown over the years? 10 years ago I couldn’t go to a store and buy thigh high boots in my size. There are so much more variety and options in color, textures, styles. It’s amazing, and I love it.

Have you attended or vended at the expo before? If not, tell us your past experiences, if so, let us know what you are looking forward to! I attended the expo last year and thought it was amazing. I found a designer to make one of my cosplay costumes for me.

What can the attendees of the TCFStyle Expo look forward to seeing from you? I will have t-shirts, books, magnets, and stickers. They will see a creative, whimsical, fun woman who has a lot to say about justice and owning our space. And I keep it 100, even when it hurts.

Want to know more about plus size superhero? Make sure you check her, you can find TaLynn on the web at www.talynnkel.com